Studio will work in tandem with developer Eidos-Montreal to do bigscreen version of 'Human Revolution'

With high-profile game-to-film adaptations having mostly stumbled at the box office, and gamemakers getting more cautious over how their franchises are treated by Hollywood, CBS Films will work closely with “Deus Ex” developer Eidos-Montreal on the bigscreen version. Film will revolve around third installment “Deus Ex: Human Revolution.”

“As is clear from the wild success of the game, Square Enix and Eidos-Montreal know how to exceed their audience’s expectations by engineering incredible worlds,” said Terry Press, co-president of CBS Films. “No one knows ‘Human Revolution’ like the team that created it, and we look forward to working with them from day one to make a film adaptation worthy of the ‘Deus Ex’ name.”

“Human Revolution” bowed last summer as a prequel to the first game, released in 2000. A second game, “Deus Ex: Invisible War” was released in 2003. “Human Revolution” has sold more than 2.5 million copies.

Game is set in 2027, when multinational corporations have grown beyond the control of national governments. Film will follow an ex-SWAT security specialist who must learn to embrace the high-tech prostheses that replace much of his body in order to unravel a global conspiracy that involves an attack on a biotechnology firm tied to developing human enhancements.

“As the millions of fans who have played the ‘Deus Ex’ games for more than a decade will tell you, these games catapult you into a universe that is stimulating, engaging and relevant,” said Phil Rogers, president and CEO of Square Enix Europe. “We’re firm believers in building strong partnerships, and so we’re thrilled to be working with CBS Films on bringing the unique ‘Deus Ex’ experience to the bigscreen.”

John P. Middleton will serve as exec producer of the project. Maria Faillace, exec VP of production, and creative executive Alex Ginno are overseeing the project for CBS Films.

Askarieh has several film versions of videogames in the works, including a second “Hitman” pic, as well as adaptations of the “Just Cause” and “Kane and Lynch” videogames. All are Square Enix-produced titles.

Lee is currently producing Warner Bros.’ “Lego: The Piece of Resistance” through his Vertigo Entertainment shingle with Dan Lin and recently shepherded CBS Films’ airline thriller “The 7500,” as well as exec produced Hammer Films’ “The Woman in Black,” which is getting a sequel.